Jade Maitreya Buddha

In Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya Buddha is regarded as the successor of Shakyamuni and the future Buddha who will descend into the human world to cultivate and enlighten, becoming the next Buddha of this world. He is also honored as the patriarch of the Yogācāra school of thought and was greatly revered by renowned Chinese Mahayana masters such as Zhi Qian, Dao’an, and Xuanzang.

In many Chinese Buddhist temples, Maitreya is often portrayed with a bare chest, a large belly, and a joyful smile. This image serves as a form of symbolic teaching, signifying “great capacity brings great blessings,” and reminding people to practice tolerance. Maitreya embodies compassion, tolerance, optimism, and open-mindedness. The well-known saying describes him best: “A great belly can contain what others cannot; a smiling mouth laughs at the world’s troubles.” It reflects profound life wisdom, inspiring people to broaden their perspective and lighten their hearts.

The joys and sorrows of human life, wealth and poverty, power and status, all fade before a tolerant smile. With a heart spacious enough to accept what others reject, one can endure inner troubles, withstand the loneliness of time, and avoid unnecessary disputes. Patience is a virtue, harmony is precious, and Maitreya’s teaching conveys an optimistic and open-hearted attitude toward life, encouraging detachment from fame and material gain.